Chelsea, English Premier League winners, eye Champions League

José Mourinho is entering his second season at Chelsea after last year's return to the English capital. The team, owned by Russian tycoon Roman Abramovich, is the reigning Premier League and Carling Cup and, this season, will have the UEFA Champions League title as their main objective. "We have begun to create a great team that can fight for that title," said former FC Barcelona midfielder Cesc Fàbregas, who now plays for Chelsea.

Painful memories

The last time The Blaugranas and The Blues squared off, in the 2011/12 Champions League semi-finals, the Catalans, who were then coached by Pep Guardiola, were knocked out 3–2 on aggregate. Chelsea, who were coached by Roberto Di Matteo at the time, came to Camp Nou with a one-goal advantage and, after Sergio Busquets and Andres Iniesta had put Barça ahead, eventually tied the game.

London's big three

Voted the top player in the Premier League last season, Eden Hazard has developed into one of the best players in the world. Meanwhile, former Barça man Cesc Fàbregas has become a midfield master in London, while striker Diego Costa is entering his second year with The Blues while hoping to avoid some of the physical issues that kept him from being at a hundred per cent in first year. Despite his nagging injuries, Costa had a remarkable year, scoring 20 goals in just 26 appearances.